Musicians share their inspiration

By GRETTA MARINO

Capital Region rock band Silversyde performed last month at the Glove Performing Arts Center in Gloversville. I interviewed the band, which includes Laura Jones, Josh Jones, Jay Corey, Ali Juliano and Dave Robert:

What inspired the name?

Laura: Silversyde to me is symbolic of the hope, love, forgiveness and mercy glimmering behind the dark clouds of depression, hurt and pain. Like a silver lining — better days ahead. Josh: Laura and Ali came up with the name, but the meaning to me has always been one of perseverance through the storms of life. Such is life, as the silver lining of God’s light always shines through the most difficult of storms. I often joke that fair weather makes for bad sailors and bad Christians alike.

Where do you get inspiration for your music?

Laura: Song inspiration comes from a long time of depression, cutting, self-loathing, bitterness and hatred of myself and others. The pain that I felt for so many years and the anguish of knowing that I was in need of something more than myself to bring me out of the physical/spiritual mess I was in. Jay: The hurting, the down and out, the underdog. Dave: My inspiration came from a role model who also was a great musical inspiration to me. Not only did he teach me guitar, but he tought me that music is a never-ending journey. And with those teachings, even now I inspire myself daily to continue this musical journey to become a better musician, to intrigue and capture my listeners.

Why did you start playing music and get involved in the music world?

Laura: I started playing the guitar and writing poetry at age 16 because it was the only thing I have ever wanted to do in my life. It fits! Jay: My church was looking for a drummer, so I taught myself how with a little help from my cousin, Mike. Dave: I can boldly say that I was born to be in the music world. As a child I was always captivated by beats, rhythms, melodies and musical patterns. Then the ability just came naturally to execute what I’ve heard on a musical instrument. But never forsaking the help of God. God always has and still is guiding me through my musical journey. Ali: Every time I was around music, I felt like I was in a whole different world. I wanted to be a part of that world somehow. Most of my family has a special musical ability, so I figured why not have a musical ability, too? Josh: Laura writes the songs, but many times she shares them with me as she writes them. Sometimes we will discuss the pain of our past and wonder how we can reach the kids who are going through similar situations now. Our music seeks to expose the lie instead of perpetuating it. I believe God wants us to sing about His truth and grace even if it is not as popular. In a world of so many distractions, people need to hear the truth. While younger in life we made the mistake of trusting in a lie at the expense of the truth, so our music targets the same false attitudes and assumptions that lead to the broad path of destruction. Through our music, we want to love the people who are struggling but be absolutely clear in how much we hate the lie and deception of the strong holds that take struggling people away from God’s love instead of putting them right in the center of it. We pray, we battle, Laura writes down lyrics and before you know it we have another song. When I play, I am constantly interceding for the people who can’t quite understand why there is so much static in this life.

What was your musical background before you got involved professionally?

Laura : I started playing piano when I was younger, from age 8 to 12. Then, at age 15, I taught myself to play the guitar. I’d started writing and playing out by the age of 16. Jay: I was a praise-and-worship drummer at my church, which I still do when I’m home. Dave: Prior to joining the band, I’d never played outside the four walls of a church. I started out in my worship team playing maracas. I’ve been playing bass and electric guitar for over nine years. Currently, I’m very much involved in in my local church as the music director. Ali: Both of my parents wanted me to take piano lessons when I was a little girl, and I did for a while, but I also gave up on music for a while. I loved to sing! Josh: When I was in elementary school (and I think a year in middle school), I sang in a chorus. Then my voice changed ... I tried the French horn and violin briefly during sixth grade. God put a song in my heart and a drive in my spirit that led me to the bass guitar and Silversyde about a year ago.

Which band would you like most to open up for and which band would you most have open up for you?

Laura: I would love to open for and someday have open for us the following bands: Skillet, RED, Pillar, Flyleaf. Jay: Stryper, Hootie and the Blowfish. Ali: I would love to open for either Switchfoot or Skillet. One day I would like RED to open for Silversyde. Josh: I’m not really concerned about opening or who opens for us, although I would love to play with Flyleaf and RED at some point.

What would your occupation be if not a musician? Laura: It’s always been music for me, so I’ll have to stick with that. Jay: Philanthropist. Dave: I’ll always be a musician. Josh: I have a primary occupation managing the Albany office for a New York state assemblyman. I work during legislative session, which is January through July, and then I have the opportunity to concentrate on other things the rest of the year.

Most embarrassing moment of your career (so far)?

Laura: I was 14 or so and it was Christmas time again. I was to sing “O Holy Night” to the entire church congregation and my mother was accompanying me on the piano. Little did we know that the keyboard was transposed, so when I got to the really high part at the end of the song, I just stood there looking scared and embarrassed because I could not hit the notes.

Jay: I tossed a drumstick and almost hit an elderly lady dancing. Dave: I was ready to do a guitar solo, and all eyes were on me. Just before my solo began, my amp went completely dead. Talk about embarrassment.

Josh: By far it was during Soulfest at the beginning of the song “Break Away.” So the plan was that I encourage the guys to find their honor and the women to find their value in God and then exhort the audience to “Break Away” from the things that hold them back with a loud scream as we go into the song. Although my speech went well, it was then overshadowed (or at least it my mind) by a very awkward ... scream that caused my voice to crack and then fizzle out. I’m not gonna lie, I was not happy but I kept on going. God used it however, as a humbling reminder that impressing people wasn’t necessary but proclaiming His message was.

Where do you see yourselves in ten years?

Laura: Definitely hitting the touring road hard and finishing up our fifth European tour. Jay: Full-time musician. Dave: I see us as a band and as individuals walking in the divine will of God. Ali: I see Silversyde ministering to huge crowds of people who are touched by God through our personal testimonies. Josh: Ten years, I see a revolution in our culture through music. I see Silversyde (beyond just music) as a ministry for those who don’t quite fit in by the world’s standards but fit in perfectly by God’s standards.

Where in the world would you like most to tour and what bands would you like to tour with?

Laura: For starters, I would like us to hop on the Warped Tour or Oz Fest in the next year or so in order to minister to the bands on the tour and the people who attend their shows. Then I would love to tour with Skillet or RED. Jay: Wherever we’re directed to go. Dave: Australia please, on tour with Hillsong. Ali: I’d like to tour everywhere with Flyleaf, Skillet, Switchfoot, Newsboys, Run Kid Run and many other bands. Josh: I want to go where people are hurting and hungry spiritually. I would be honored to play with the local artists who inspire us such as Mustard Seed, One Less Star, True Witness, Nigh is the Hour, Keven St. Michael and Last Day Soldier.

How do you feel about your success as a band?

Laura: I am blown away, humbled and encouraged by the success we have had in under a year of playing together. We kicked off our Break Away Tour in June 2010 with a record number of shows, and we are still going strong. Jay: Depends on how you measure success. If it’s in dollar bills then not very, but if it’s impacting peoples lives in a real and positive way then we’re very successful. Dave: I feel like everything is happening so fast and God is putting things together one after the other. It’s just hard believe that we are as busy as we are. To God be the glory. Ali: Our band has come a long way, and I’m very proud of all the band members. I’m also thankful to the people who have helped and supported us as we rise and flourish in the musical world. Josh: I am in awe of what God is doing through the ministry. We use music as a way to engage people about spiritual things, and God continues to open up doors.

Which of your songs is your favorite and why?

Laura: I feel like each song is a child to me. People can’t pick which child is their favorite, and I feel the same way (almost). But if I had to choose ... it would be between “Hear Me” and our newest creation, “Complete.” They have different meanings, but both embrace the need for Jesus in our lives to make us whole. Jay: “You Are There.” It’s fun to play and has a great message. Dave: “Hear me,” because it carries a strong message and it’s relevant to to our youth generation. Josh: I like “Hear Me” because it is the cry of a generation to tune out the world and tune in God, not the other way around. As God establishes his kingdom here on Earth, we will tear down the kingdom of lies.

Gretta Marino is a junior at Broadalbin-Perth High School.